Filter Cigarette Holder

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a filtering device for use with cigarettes and other smoking products. Embodiments of the invention include a cigarette holder equipped with pressure filtering. Embodiments may be smaller than about 20 mm, include a separate semi-closed collection chamber to prevent “backwash” of tar which would otherwise occur due to the filter&#39;s small size, require less material than current cigarette filters, enable more effective filtration, increase filter capacity for holding tar, and provide additional benefits resulting from the greater likelihood of use by smokers. Another embodiment would include the replacement of the plastic casing with paper, creating a filter made mostly of naturally biodegradable material.

This application claims priority benefit of: U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/337,483, filed May 17, 2016.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

In conventional cigarette filtration technology, pressure filter cigarette holders used both in the United States and abroad consist of a filter about 25 mm in length, which includes a transparent cigarette holder with a mouthpiece. Current, known pressure cigarette filters are longer than at least about 25 mm, or 2.5 cm.

The function of pressure-based filtered cigarette holders is to reduce the damage of cigarettes by means of capturing the tar contained in the cigarette smoke along with reducing the nicotine and carcinogenic compounds that cigarettes deliver.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention include a cigarette pressure filter device 20 mm or smaller designed for removing and retaining 66% to 90% or more of tar or nicotine in a cigarette, which filter is held in place by the cigarette and points of contact with the cigarette including a sleeve and one or more affixing spikes, further comprising a low profile, and less waste for manufacturing and for discarding, and a collection chamber with cavities designed to collect unwanted tar and nicotine while maintaining a low profile, and in some embodiments, a perimeter baffle, an exit tube, a conical collection surface for directing deposits into a perimeter baffle and a patterned inner surface or groves, rings or ridges all designed to enable the retention of tar which is a problem in filters smaller than 20 mm.

Further embodiments of this the invention have proprietary three-dimensional parameters which maintain a careful balance necessary to achieve filtration of 90% plus, without backwash in a filter 40% (or more) smaller than current filters. Given the much smaller inner area and volume, chamber and overall size of embodiments of this innovative filter, should the design aspects not fall within the parameters required, the filter will either not filter sufficiently or it will be unable to retain accumulated tar resulting in a sudden massive release, also called “backwash”. Other failures caused by designs outside the parameters include overly restricting air flow, resulting in a difficult “draw” and making an otherwise functioning filter very difficult or impossible to for a smoker to use. Also, changes to the affixation spike and sleeve can result in the filter constantly falling off the cigarette.

The elements that are to be in balance include but are not limited to aspects of the inner architecture. Design improvements include but are not limited to these features: filter hole diameter, filter hole pitch, exit (mouth) hole diameter, diameter and length of exit tube, diameter of collection chamber, perimeter baffle depth, greater wall thickness which allows for the formation of the perimeter collection baffle, conical collection and direction surface which directs deposits into the perimeter baffle and improves air flow, patterned inner surface, such as, groves, rings or ridges designed to increase collection area surface.

Unlike current pressure filters the filter design is made to be used “hands-free” and in embodiments should the affixation sleeve or the affixation spike not be of sufficient length the filter may fall off in ordinary use. The filter design does not require being held by the user due to sufficient friction between sleeve and/or conical spike, for example, and the cigarette. In embodiments, the filter affixation sleeve and spike should be of sufficient length to stay affixed. Should the length allowed for cigarette affixation be too great then the area of the collection chamber must be shortened to remain within embodiment parameters. A reduction of the length of the collection chamber below the design length may result in a reduction of filtration below acceptable parameters and or in “backwash” situation.

In embodiments of the invention, among other functional filter aspects which are carefully balanced due to the limited resources and space available in embodiments of this innovation, smaller than about 20 mm, the filter has the following properties:

Substantial tar collection and retention ability

Filtering ability of 66% to 90%+

Air Flow “Draw” with a pressure drop less than or equal to 170

Various embodiments of the invention successfully incorporate these characteristics in a filter less than about 20 mm.

Embodiments of the invention include a low-profile filter that does not hold a cigarette, but rather is held by, and in, the cigarette. Embodiments of this invention are more likely to be used by smokers who do not like holding or using filters, giving a typical user a look and feel they are accustomed to.

Embodiments of the invention carry greater durability. Benefits of some embodiments include a longer-lasting filter that is capable of filtering more tar, more effectively. Some embodiments can filter as many or more cigarettes as existing cigarette pressure filters at a filter size 40% or smaller.

Embodiments of this filter require less plastic, and this reduction manufacturing costs and reduces non-biodegradable waste.

Plastic cigarette holders are known to have harmful effects on the environment. An advantage of this invention compared to the conventional technology in this respect is its capability of being manufactured with less plastic while lasting longer. That is, embodiments of this invention filter more cigarettes before clogging, thanks to the larger area and volume of its tar collecting insert (i.e., the filtering and tar-collecting section).

Another important function of embodiments of this filtering system is the creation of a means to prevent backwash of tar towards the user, which would otherwise occur due to the filter's small size.

Further, embodiments of the invention are related to multi-bore cigarette holders. These embodiments enable better filtration by filtering a larger amount of tar and harmful materials.

The result of these embodiments is a filter that is more effective, capable of filtering more cigarettes, with less plastic used as compared to prior art.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of the invention where the embodiment is transparent, having a longitudinal line for identifying the centerline of the filter.

FIG. 2 depicts a central, planar view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a cut-away, or slice, of the central plane of embodiment of the invention, including two central bores of the filter.

FIG. 4 depicts an inner central filtration component with eight bores and one-half of the housing unit for the central filtration component.

FIG. 5 is a planar view of an embodiment of the invention attached to a cigarette.

FIG. 6 is a view of a central filter component having barbs.

FIG. 7 is a planar view of a central filter component having barbs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Design Specifications & Ranges

An embodiment of the invention may have the following parameters:

1. Exit Mouth Hole: 1.5-2.5 mm

2. Exit Filter Hole: 0.30-0.35 mm

3. Filter Hole Pitch: approx. 45 degrees

4. Cone angle: 45-60 degrees

5. Perimeter Baffle Depth: 1.0-1.5 mm

6. Collection chamber length 4.5-5.5 mm

7. Collection Chamber Diameter: 2.5-2.4 (Tapered)

8. Sleeve length: 5.0-6.0 mm

9. Spike Length: 6.0-7.25 mm

10. Exit Tube Length: 1.5-2.0 mm

11. Exit tube Inner Diameter 1.5-3.0 mm

12. Number of filtering holes: Eight (8)

13. Filtering Disc Depth: 1 mm

14. Filtering Disc Width: 7 mm

15. Mouth exit surface wall thickness+0.5 mm increase (for creating a perimeter baffle.)

Regarding the structure of some embodiments, a single-stage filter cigarette holder may include a collection chamber 1, chamber walls with crevices 2, where the crevices face the collection chamber, a perimeter baffle 3 which is a circular collection trough recessed around the exit hole for providing increased collection capacities, an exit guide tube 4 to prevent tar accumulated on the sides of the filter device from moving into the exit hole, and an oblique or conical surface 5 that directs tar to perimeter baffles. Embodiments of the invention are less than about 20 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the collection chamber will 5 to 6 mm, an affixation sleeve 6 and spike 7 for engaging a cigarette will be about 4 mm to 7 mm in length.

Alternative embodiments will include at least one barb 10 located at or near the longitudinal end of the spike 7, for securing the filter into the cigarette. A barb may be oriented in one direction, or multiple barbs may be placed at, for example, 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions. Alternatively, the barb may be a 360-degree notch in the spike, where the notch acts like spike.

Embodiments may include an exit mouth hole of approximately 1.5 mm to 3 mm in diameter.

Embodiments of the filter cigarette holder functions as follows. The cigarette inserted into the sleeve of the mouthpiece, is tightly seated, with friction from the sleeve 6 engaging the cigarette, or with the conical tip 7 engaging the tobacco or filter on the cigarette. When the user inhales, the cigarette smoke is filtered by passing across the conical surface 5 which directs air flow after having passed through the bores 8 in the filter 9. Tar contained in the smoke remains in the gap between the bored filter or becomes trapped in baffles. Following this, some smoke passes through the exit hole and is inhaled through the mouthpiece.

In an embodiment, the device may be made at least partially of a biodegradable material, such as paper. Such an embodiment may be comprised of a paper-based bottom casing and a top sleeve, both having tube-like, or cylindrical structures. A bottom casing holds the cigarette, and may have an adhesive “O” ring which may be inserted into the top of sleeve to secure filter elements. A top sleeve with a similar adhesive “O” ring may be inserted over the bottom casing, in this way the plastic filter element(s) are secured. This would be done by inserting the user-end of the top sleeve (or, mouth end) over the bottom sleeve's cigarette opening.

In an embodiment of the invention, the top sleeve may include a retaining “O” ring to help maintain sufficient firmness and sufficient structural integrity in the sleeve wall. A filter may be placed between the top retaining and bottom “O” rings.

In an embodiment of the invention, the length and diameter and general dimensions of this “natural” filter would be that of existing, standard “mini” filters or that of the “micro” filters proposed in this document.

The plastic filter elements used in the “natural” filters may be replaced with molded, pressed-paper filter elements of similar specifications to these filter elements. The pressed paper filter elements would be a mixture of unbleached paper and naturally derived glue, one rated as safe for human consumption. The mixture may be put into molds, stamped into configuration, or extruded and then cut.

The mixture would then be dried until hard and placed in the paper casing described previously. This filter would have the advantage of completely eliminating all non-biodegradable material, creating a “green” filter.

A third embodiment would be to construct a “soft” or “hidden/stealth” MICRO filter by placing a specially sized Micro filter inside a hollowed out acetate of cotton cigarette filter. This design would include soft acetate or cotton filter walls of 2.5 to 3 mm in thickness. Also it would include either “right angle fins” or a spiral “screw type” ridge on the outside of the filter to assist insertion and retention of the micro filter inside the acetate or cotton filter shell.

Implementation of the Invention in the Industry

The micro-filter cigarette holder serving the above-mentioned purposes may be manufactured by plastic injection technology; it enables its user a more comfortable and durable utilization and consumption; is more eco-friendly as it contains less amount of plastic and has a structure adaptable to the industry.

The micro filter offers ease of use and discreteness not available in standard filters sold.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the described embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Among the benefits of a cigarette filter of about 20 mm or smaller are the following advantages over the existing 25 mm+designs: a less intrusive design for smokers. They would not have to hold their cigarette by the filter. Instead of the filter holding the cigarette the cigarette would hold the filter. (The filter would be held, or affixed, to the cigarette.) This would lead to a greater use and adoption of pressure filters by smokers. Next, a lower filter profile. Another filter aspect that is desired by smokers. Next, a reduction of material in size and cost for manufacturing the filters.

Embodiments of the invention include a perimeter baffle encircling the exit hole, which increases storage capacity. An exit tube blocks movement of tar from the exit hole from the walls of the collection chamber to prevent unwanted backwash. In embodiments, a collection cone has a length that does not block air flow in the chamber and is angle to direct filtered tar deposits into the perimeter baffle. Embodiments also include an at least one spike that securely affixes the filter to a cigarette. In embodiments, the exit hole should be large enough (approximately 1.5 to about 3 mm in diameter) that the draw resistance is not too great for users. 

1-22. (canceled)
 23. A single-stage cigarette filter comprising a sleeve for receiving a cigarette, a filter, an at least one exit tube, an at least one affixing spike, and a collection chamber for receiving and storing intake gases and coalescing tar carried by inhaled gases, where the collection chamber is disposed posterior to the filter and is formed around the at least one exit tube.
 24. The filter of claim 1, where the filter has a longitudinal length equal to or less than about 20 mm and a collection cone posterior to the filter disc and anterior to the collection chamber, for directing airflow.
 25. The filter of claim 1, where the collection chamber is formed at least in part by tapered outer sides.
 26. The filter of claim 1, further comprising an at least one affixing spike and a conical collection surface, and where the collection chamber is formed at least in part by tapered sides.
 27. The filter of claim 1, further comprising an exit mouth hole of approximately 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm.
 28. The filter of claim 1, where the filter disc is comprised of at least eight inner filter holes.
 29. The filter of claim 6, where the inner surfaces of the filter holes are pitched 30 to 50 degrees.
 30. The filter of claim 6, where the filter holes are pitched about 45 degrees.
 31. The filter of claim 1, further comprising a tapered collection chamber having a length of about 3.8 mm to about 4.8 mm.
 32. The filter of claim 1, where the filter disc has a depth of about 1 mm.
 33. The filter of claim 1, further comprising a retaining o-ring.
 34. The filter of claim 1, further comprising a retaining o-ring, and where the sleeve is comprised at least in part of paper.
 35. The filter of claim 1, further comprising an internal ridge disposed in the collection chamber for disrupting an inhaled stream of gases and accompanying substances.
 36. The filter of claim 1, further comprising a disruption ridge located in the collection chamber, and at least one exit hole.
 37. The filter of claim 1, further comprising a filtering disc with a depth of about 1 mm and a width of about 7 mm.
 38. The filter of claim 1, further comprising a spike having a length of about 6 mm to about 7.5 mm.
 39. The filter of claim 1, further comprising a collection chamber having a length of about 4.5 to about 5.5 mm.
 40. The filter of claim 1, where a ridge in the collection chamber encircles the exit hole, and further comprising a collection cone.
 41. The filter of claim 1, further comprising a perimeter baffle circling the exit hole, a collection column, and an internal ridge for disrupting an inhaled stream of gases and accompanying substances.
 42. The filter of claim 1, where a chamber wall anterior to the filter and conical collection surface contains crevices.
 43. The filter of claim 1, further comprising an at least one affixing spike and an at least one barb on the affixing spike.
 44. The filter of claim 1, where the barb is a 360-degree continuous spur for locking the cigarette into the filter. 